Archive for month: July, 2017

Car accidents wreak havoc on many aspects of your vehicle, including the rear windshield. If your windshield is shattered or damaged due to a collision, the next step is getting it fixed. However, upon receiving the quote for the rear windshield replacement, you might be surprised to find the price differs from that of the front windshield. We’re here to tell you why this is.

Rear Windshields Are Made Differently than Front Windshields

For starters, the rear windshield is made from different glass than the front one. The windshield at the front is made of laminated glass, which is comprised of two or three layers of glass. This way, the windshield will not shatter when something hits it. The rear windshield, however, is made of tempered glass. This kind of glass is designed to shatter when damaged enough. But, when it does shatter, it shatters into tiny pebbles, which greatly aids in reducing glass related injuries. Since these two glass types have different methods of creation, there is a price difference between the two.

Clean Up is Necessary with Rear Windshield Replacements

Since rear windshields are made to shatter when significantly damaged, there is usually a lot of glass strewn about the car afterwards. Upon bringing the car to the repair shop, the technician has to comb the car for glass pieces to make sure the area is clean before installing the new rear windshield. This clean-up process is typically not involved with front windshield replacement, since they often don’t shatter outright, so it factors into the cost of the replacement.

Rear Windshields Have a Defrost Grid

Rear windshields usually come equipped with a defrost grid that helps to melt ice and snow in the winter months. This is another major difference between front and rear windshields. Installing the defrost grid requires more time and effort, which plays into the price difference for replacing rear windshields.

Knowing the difference between rear windshields and front windshields can prep you for some sticker shock when coming in for a replacement. For all of your windshield replacement needs, head on over to Carolina Windshield Centers! You can reach us at 800-900-1505, or by filling out our online contact form.

If you live in an area where the winters are harsh, it is likely you’ve either noticed rust on your own car or spotted it on others’ vehicles. This rust is the result of your vehicle being exposed to the salt and sand that is spread along the roadways in times of major snow storms and sleet. While it is important to keep your car clean in the winter to prevent adverse effects from all the salt and sand, rust can sneak up on you with even the most diligent care.

Rust, when present, often reveals itself as an eyesore on some portion of the body of your vehicle. This is when most people notice it, at least. However, what drivers aren’t aware of is that rust can have other unfavorable impacts upon your automobile. By default, rust causes the objects it attacks to become less stable. This could mean that if it attacks any of the area around your windshield, it could be much more difficult to have your windshield replaced the next time it is necessary to do so.

When caring for your car, keep an eye out for rust around the edges of your windshield. This could mean there is a leak in that area too. On the bright side, minor amounts of rust around the perimeter of your windshield can be managed by an auto glass center no problem. However, if larger portions of your vehicle are impacted by rust, it is likely you’ll have to see someone of a more specialized skill set to remedy the issue. For example, a body shop. They have the appropriate tools to remove the rust on your car in an efficient manner. Since most primers used during windshield installation don’t adhere well to rust, it is best you get your car tended to as quickly as possible if you notice a spreading rust problem.